Venezuela Nature and Wildlife

Venezuela is considered one of seventeen megadiverse countries in the world due to the vast array of ecosystems and habitats that exist in the country. These ecosystems include mountains, rainforests, savannas, coral reefs and more. Wildlife species are equally diverse and the country is home to more than 250 mammal species such as elusive cats like pumas and jaguars as well as howler monkeys, sloths, and the capybara (the world’s largest rodent) among others. There are over 1,400 bird species in Venezuela, the most common being flamingos, pelicans, parrots, macaws, toucans and the Venezuelan Troupial, the county’s national bird. 

With such diversity, Venezuela is working to protect its environment. Eco Alianze is a joint initiative between the public and private sectors to encourage ecotourism in the country. It works to create jobs as well as promote conservation education not just to protect local flora and fauna but also local cultures. Within Venezuela are forty national parks that showcase the incredible nature in the country as well as offer bird-watching opportunities, hiking, rafting, snorkelling and much more. Some of the most popular national parks are Henri Pittier National Park, Los Roques Archipelago National Park and Canaima National Park.

Henri Pittier National Park, created in 1937, is the oldest national park in Venezuela. Nine major rivers run through the area making it an important water source for nearby cities and towns.  The two main geographical features found within the park are a steep mountainous area as well as a coastal area. Both of these features make the park an important birding area with more than 500 species recorded and the park is popular with bird lovers. Many people visit due to the beaches which have become a major attraction.

Los Roques Archipelago National Park is made up of 42 islands and was created in 1972 in order to protect the marine ecosystem which includes coral reefs and mangroves. Covering an area of 221.120 hectares (546 acres) located north of the port of “La Guaira”, Los Roques is the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. It hosts amazing coral reefs with many diverse species including 61 species of coral, 200 species of crustaceans and 280 bird species. It is a popular spot with tourists because it offers great scuba diving, windsurfing and other water sports opportunities. 

Finally, Canaima National Park in Bolivar State is the largest national park in Venezuela.  Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it contains rainforests, savannas and mountains.  Canaima is also home to Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall. Originally designated in 1962, the park doubled in size in 1975. Roughly 65% of the area is covered by unique table mountain formations for which the park has become famous.

Venezuela Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Venezuela.

Learn about the history and culture of Venezuela, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Venezuela's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Venezuela for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Venezuela vacations today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Venezuela tour, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

Book your Venezuela tour with Goway! 

LATIN AMERICA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Venezuela vacations and experiences. Choose an independent travel module and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Venezuela.